Inside blog / Team Lübbering: Last weekend, the team presentation marked the start of our 2018 season. In addition to the introduction of new faces, new sponsors and the feeling "Here we go!" there was still time for a short double interview with Anna and Marius , who look back on last season and talk about goals for this year.
Anna, Marius, what were your highlights last season?
Marius: I particularly enjoyed the Münsterland Giro last season, where I was able to achieve my best result with fourth place. The 24-hour race in Kelheim was a great event, the race on the Hockenheim Ring would have been even better if the weather was right.
Anna: The 24-hour race in Kelheim was a great experience as a team. The Münsterland Giro is something special at the end of the season, just like Göttingen at the start of the season.
Marius: When you cross the finish line in Göttingen, you feel like you're at the Tour de France: From a kilometer before the finish line, there are barriers along the route, crowded spectators and a great atmosphere.
How do you feel when you cross the finish line?
Anna: Happy, relieved - and exhausted.
Marius: Exhausted is certainly a good keyword. In the first race in particular, there is a certain amount of uncertainty as to whether the form is right or whether the Christmas roast was a bit too strong.
Marius, what is Anna good at?
Marius: She can make room very well in the field, so it's better not to annoy her as an opponent. She has pressure on the pedals, especially on the flat it is easy to follow her slipstream. In a group you're always looking for people who don't just hang on behind.
Anna, is Marius also good at something?
Anna: Marius is generally super fit, good at sprinting on the bike and has a good pace. It is in very good hands on flat to bumpy routes.
Marius: I still have to lose a few kilos for the mountains.
Anna: We are on a diet, there are only three pieces of cake a day (both laugh).
What do you think of when you think of mountains and cycling?
Anna: Very nice on vacation, without any time pressure and to enjoy. In training, mountains are still good, in races not so much. Where do you place yourself in the race? Breakaway, peloton, grupetto or sweeper car?
Marius: That depends on the race situation and last but not least on the starting group. I was surprised at myself in Cologne: I'm actually trying to be at the front, but in the race I was able to pull away from the front and pull away from the field. In the mountains I don't see myself as a breakaway in a strong group, otherwise I like to try to attack at the front.
What are your tactics in the German Cycling Cup races? Show strength in front or stay in the slipstream and strike at the end?
Anna: I stay in the slipstream and let the wind blow with the men (laughs).
Marius: If it's possible, we like to let other teams do the work at the front and try to drive out at the front with several team members at the right moment. If I know that someone else in the team has a good chance, then I like to stay in the wind longer and try to place our strongest riders well. We always drive for the team and plan who has the best chances. That worked well last season and it will again this season.
Cycling is also a matter of the mind. What are your psychological tricks?
Anna: Look good. When you look good and have great equipment, people just think you're having a bad day.
Marius: Our number 1 strategy.
How would you describe your new outfit in one word?
Marius: Striking.
Anna: Stylish.